Idols in our Lives: Technology

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Luke 12:34

 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

(ESV)

The topic of statues and memorials has been in the forefront of the news in the last couple of weeks.  A statue or memorial is just a building, piece of stone, or bronze.  The point of dissention therefore is not the existence of the statue but the perception of what it stands for to the one looking at it.  For some, the statue or memorial is a memorial of events in history.  Sometimes these events are dark in nature such as statues to men like General Robert E. Lee who led the Confederate Army against the Union in the Civil War in the United States.  Some are offended by these statues and call for their removal but the simple removal of a bronze object will not eliminate the dark history of the Civil War.  Instead many believe the statues should stay as a reminder of the evils of slavery and serve as a reminder not to return to its evil practice. 

We must not allow these statues and memorials to take on the role of idols in our society stoking more hatred and divisiveness in our culture and instead let them serve as historical reminders.  After crossing the Jordan, the Lord instructed Joshua to take stones from the river bottom and construct a memorial.   The purpose of this memorial, to historically remind future generations about how the Lord miraculously held back the Jordan River so the people could cross over on dry land (Joshua 4:1-10).  Historical remembrance is the purpose of memorials and why they must stay.

The mention of idols and idolatry carries with it the image of some statue or memorial but idols in our lives today often do not take on the form of a statue or memorial.  In her book “Finding Truth,” Nancy Pearcey defines an idol in our life as anything we want more than God. (1) One such idol in today’s world would is technology. 

During my daily commute in Phoenix, I pass by several bus stops.  It is common to see people looking down at their smart phones while waiting for the bus.  This demonstrates how smartphone technology has quickly become prevalent in our lives.  I only hope those looking at their phones at the bus stop do not become so engrossed with their phone that they miss their bus. 

I am not saying that the smartphone or other forms of technology are evil for they do have many good uses.  For example, during my son’s recent surgery, I could keep family and friends, some of which live in other states or were in other countries updated on his status using my smartphone.  I also, like many at my church, use a bible app on my tablet to access my Bible during the pastor’s sermon.  However, like anything else, the smartphone becomes an idol in our lives when it becomes more important than God. 

So prevalent are smartphones and technology in our lives that Nick Bilton wrote an article in the May 13, 2013 New York Times entitled “How to Take a Break From Your Technology.”  (2)  The article begins with Nick stating it is his first time at Technologists Anonymous.  While this is a fictitious organization, the author is illustrating the fact that there are some who are as addicted to technology as one would be to alcohol or drugs. 

The article goes on to offer some excellent suggestions on how to avoid becoming addicted to our technology.  The article suggests,

1)      Establishing a gadget free zone in our homes (2) – This is a zone, possibly in the bedroom or kitchen table where technology like smartphones, tablets, and laptops are not allowed.  I especially like the idea of a tech free zone at the kitchen table, or wherever meals are eaten in our homes for it encourages face-to-face social interaction. 

2)      Switch to airplane mode (2) – Since we now use our smartphone to listen to music, take notes, or take photos, they serve many purposes.  However, if we want to take a break from the constant distraction of alerts or notifications, turn on airplane mode which turns off the wireless connections while still allowing you to take notes, photos, and even listen to music if it is not through live streaming. 

3)      Turn off notifications (2) – Often you still need to be wirelessly connected but do not want to be distracted by notifications.  This is where it is useful to turn off notifications which only allows phone calls to come through.  Since phone calls are a dying breed, this should greatly cut down on distractions.  A word of caution here however, be sure to let your close family and friends know that in the event of a genuine emergency they must call you. 

Luke 12:34 reminds us that where our heart is, there our treasure will be also.  While technology can enhance and enrichen our lives let us be on guard not to allow it to become an idol.  The Bible app that makes access to the Bible easier for us is great but it is still the content of the text it contains that we must treasure.  While technology makes it possible for us to instantly connect with others anywhere in the world about prayer requests, let us not forget to take time to pray after someone contacts us.  We must also guard against allowing streaming church services online or skype to replace face-to-face connection unless the situation makes it impossible. 

Technology is a powerful tool.  Let it remain a tool and not become an idol in our lives. 

1. Wegman, Hannah. Modern Day Idolatry: Putting Anything Before God. www.christianpost.com. [Online] The Christian Post, May 27, 2015. [Cited: August 26, 2017.] http://www.christianpost.com/news/modern-day-idolatry-putting-anything-before-god-139630/.

2. Bilton, Nick. How to Take a Break From Your Technology. https://mobile.nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, May 13, 2013. [Cited: August 26, 2017.] https://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/bits/2013/05/13/how-to-take-a-break-from-your-technology/?referer=.